2025 Cotton Bowl Classic Showdown: Ohio State Defeats No. 1 Texas
In a highly anticipated matchup at the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic, No. 3 Ohio State secured a 14-7 victory over top-ranked Texas, overcoming the Longhorns’ formidable offense led by Will Howard and Quinn Ewers. The result underscores Ohio State’s continued dominance and sets the stage for their upcoming games against Grambling State and Ohio University.
The game unfolded with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, as they turned the ball over on downs during their opening drives. However, Ohio State’s resilience shone through when quarterback Julian Sayin connected with Carnell Tate for a crucial touchdown, giving the Buckeyes a 14-0 lead with over 13 minutes remaining in the game.
Texas attempted a late comeback, but Arch Manning faced significant challenges converting fourth-down attempts, and a potential interception was ruled incomplete after review, preventing the Longhorns from getting into the end zone. Manning’s performance, while commendable, was marked by limited success, as he managed to complete only 17 of his 30 passes for 170 yards, 132 of which came in the fourth quarter.
Despite the loss, Texas remains in position to reclaim its winning ways with upcoming games against San Jose State, UTEP, and Sam Houston State. For Ohio State, the victory solidifies their dominance and sets the stage for future challenges against Grambling State and Ohio University.
The game highlighted several key moments, including Jeremiah Smith’s two drops for Ohio State early on and Texas’ inability to convert critical fourth-down opportunities. As both teams prepare for their next challenges, the outcome of this game will likely have lasting implications for their respective seasons and playoff prospects.